Dumbo by Danielle B.

Recreated through the lens of Tim Burton, the live action movie takes us on a journey where Dumbo discovers his talent for flying while trying to reunite with his mother, as she was forced to be taken away from him. Dumbo’s mother was sold away from him. Fortunately, Dumbo is not alone on his quest. He receives help from his friends, the Farrier family: Milly Farrier (Nico Parker), her younger brother Joe Farrier (Finley Hobbins) and their father Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell). Along with additional help from the people in Max Medici’s (Danny DeVito) circus. Holt Farrier came back from the war to return to the circus, reunite with his kids and hopes to continue to work on his famous with horses, only to find out that he has a new responsibility to watch over Mama Jumbo and her baby Dumbo. When the news came out in the press that Max Medici has a flying elephant, V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton) contacts Max for a business deal.

Vandevere has the vision to profit off the circus as he used Dumbo to draw in more people to his Disneyland-like theme park. Dumbo finds out that Mama Jumbo is at the park, caged in one area. He attempts to find her on his own, only to be pulled away from her. Vandevere decides that in order to get rid of this problem, he must get rid of Mama Jumbo. In the end, he loses, he loses his theme park, and Dumbo gets a happy ending.

The beginning starts out with dark lighting, and in the end, the lighting is bright. It shows how the story starts off with darkness and ends on a brighter ending, as Disney movies do. This film also shows ideological examples of both individualism and collectivism. Milly and Joe work together to help Dumbo and they influence their father to do the same. Max Mecidi’s circus acts also help Dumbo reunite with Mama Jumbo. Vandervere is the main villain in this film who has his own intentions at heart. He is using other people for his own desires. He mentions how his father left him a long time ago and it was the best thing that happened to him. He uses his own self-reliance, self-made experience, and the money that he has to get others to buy into his plans that don’t succeed. Aside from these ideologies, there is one thing that caught my attention that’s persistent throughout, and that’s this attitude to try.

Milly is a character in the film that pushes to try. She tries to save Dumbo, help him and also tries to personally expand her passion for science. Milly sets an example of how people should keep in mind to try and do good despite the obstacles that are thrown at you. I thought that this was inspiring because sometimes doubt, worry, and fear can prevent someone from simply not trying. I admired how Milly was able to show how much she cares, uses her knowledge and tries to solve a situation that’s difficult. In the end, she successfully helped Dumbo return to his Mom. She also gets to show people the things that fascinate her and talk to them about the interesting discoveries she’s found at the end of the film. Being able to see this in the film will be something that families love. Seeing this type of positive outlook represented in this film allows kids to expand their minds, creativity, knowledge, and actions simply by just trying.

Throughout everything, this version of Dumbo is something that families will appreciate. The film made me hope for better solutions to come into harder situations where life may make things seem impossible. This film sets a message to have courage and not be afraid. People will enjoy seeing Dumbo go through his obstacles to get to his Mom. He’s the cute character that people recognize; and, this movie will be able to create another fun memory for families to enjoy.

Danielle Bawit | Writing ContributorB.A. | Media Studies | Cal State Univ – San Marcos
Hello! My name is Danielle Bawit. I attended MSJC- Mt. San Jacinto’s Community College and received two Associate’s for Communication and Liberal Arts. I am currently in my last semester at CSUSM-California State University San Marcos, and I will be receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies. I grew up with watching DC heroes on the screen, wrestling with my family, Disney movies and listening to Kpop. I have been always involved with my education by joining choir’s and becoming part of MSJC’s communications club as a Historian. I have promoted events for the club at my previous school, and I have promoted and volunteered for Khip-hop concerts. I aspire to one day work in the entertainment world while promoting artists and music. Additionally, I also hope to share written stories to people in my career due to my love for writing.| Instagram @Charice_Danielle| View My Articles